Page 73 of Falling for the Bad Boy
“She didn’t want it to all be in vain. I think she saw a lot of herself in you. She didn’t want you to have to make the same kind of sacrifices. That’s why she always encouraged you to follow your dreams.”
“But why just me? Why didn’t she do the same with Randall or Leah or Hannah?” My brow furrowed, waiting for some insight to the questions that had plagued me for years.
Dad leaned closer and smiled, making the light dance in his eyes. “Because it was too late for them. She worked almost up until you were born. Then she retired and didn’t have anything to do so she devoted herself to you… to making sure you didn’t waste time on the wrong things like she felt she did.”
“No pressure then, huh?” I joked.
“We’ve got your back. Ryans don’t let…” he trailed off, waiting for me to finish the family slogan.
“Ryans don’t let Ryans fail.” I shook my head as I mumbled the phrase that had been hammered into my psyche.
“That’s right.” Dad slapped his palm on the table. “So let’s figure out how to make this the best yarn store this city has ever seen.”
I grinned at his enthusiasm for something he probably didn’t know anything about. “It’s a co-op, Dad.”
“A what?” His brow drew down, making his eyes squint.
“Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through my business plan later.” The one I’d ask Oliver to help me put together as soon as I got back to the warehouse. How long would I be able to hold Dad off from asking about that? I was sure I could come up with something to barter with to ensure Oliver worked as quickly as possible. Just thinking of ideas brought heat to my cheeks.
“A business plan?” He shook his head. “Your mother won’t believe me when I tell her.”
“Then we’ll have to show her.” I shrugged.
“I’m so proud of you. And your grandmother would be too. In fact, I want to throw you a party the night before you open. A preview event. I’ll take care of everything. How does that sound?”
How could I say no? “That sounds great.”
He pushed back from the table to stand. “I’ve got to get back for a meeting, but I’ll have my secretary get in touch.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I folded myself into his arms.
I couldn’t wait to get back and tell Oliver what happened. I’d been so eager to keep things to myself and not let my family get involved. But my father finally seemed to understand the driving force behind my desire to form the co-op. With him on board, everyone else would fall in line, just like they always did. Not having to battle my brothers and sisters about my grandmother’s money every step of the way would alleviate a lot of the stress I’d been feeling.
Dad held the door open, and we walked toward the lobby together.
“Oh, hey, can I ask you something?” I put a hand on his arm.
“Of course. What do you need?”
“It’s about Oliver. He seems to want to stay in the States but is having a hard time finding a job. If you hear of anyone with an opening, would you keep him in mind?”
“Finance, right?” Dad asked.
“That’s right. He said he wants to work in a small or medium-sized company that’s pretty entrepreneurial in spirit. I’d hate for him to have to go back to New Zealand if he can’t switch his visa.”
“Does he make you happy?” The intensity of my father’s gaze made me want to break eye contact.
But I didn’t look away.
The elevator came to a stop on the ground floor. I could sense my time with Dad coming to an end. I answered with the truth. “He does, Dad. He really, really does.”
“Then I’ll see what I can do.” He reached out and clamped a hand on my shoulder, gave it a squeeze, and then exited the elevator to head to the door where he’d probably grab a cab back to his office.
But I stood there, stunned. Had that much changed since I’d been away? Or had I changed so much since I’d been gone?
Either way, it didn’t matter. What mattered was things were becoming clear. My need to honor my grandmother. My relationship with my family. My feelings for Oliver.
I’d spent most of my life asking questions. Now it seemed life was finally showing me the way… finally giving me the answers I’d been looking for so long. With a little extra pep in my step, I caught the bus that was just about to pull away from the curb.
